PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Amy McGinley was declared a Phillies All-Star Teacher Friday morning in honor of her 35 years of teaching.
"It's beyond anything I could have imagined," said McGinley, a teacher at Penn Treaty School.
The recognition comes in thanks to her colleague Dawn Gooden, who wanted to do something special ahead of McGinley's retirement in June.
Gooden said she nominated McGinley, a lifelong Phillies fan, for the award and sent in an essay about her – touching on everything from her long teaching journey in Fishtown to how McGinley took her under her wing on her first day of school.
Also playing a part in the nomination was senior Erica Brown, who says McGinley has a special way of reaching students.
"I just love her so much. She's amazing. She definitely deserves this award," Brown said. "Through the years we've grown and progressed and I'm very thankful to her. I wouldn't be who I am today without her."
McGinley said she had no idea about the award until Gooden walked into her classroom Friday morning while she was working on an art project with her students. Gooden then took McGinley out of the classroom and walked her into the auditorium, where she was greeted by a kiss from the Phanatic and gifted a Phillies jersey.
"When I walked into the auditorium, it was just amazing," McGinley said.
Ahead of her retirement, McGinley reflected on her three decades of teaching, noting what was most important to her through it all.
"The lives that I touched, but most importantly, the kids who touched my life and made me a better person."
